My book review of 'The Glass Hotel' by Emily St John Mandel

by Emily St John Mandel
The Glass Hotel
by Emily St John Mandel

This is a fascinating, clever book which hooks you from the start. Who is this novel about? Where do our loyalties lie? Who are we drawn to?

Beginning with short passages, we are introduced to Paul, a drifter, who seems to have things done to him rather than him taking control or making decisions on life. When things take a turn for the worse, he seeks out his sister who's working in a beautiful glass and cedar hotel on Vancouver Island.

Then we meet his sister Vincent, a bartender, who also seems shadowy and passive.

But life changes when Vincent becomes the partner of a rich and ruthless character, a New York financier, and the owner of the hotel. He introduces her to a lavish new lifestyle, but it comes at a cost.

I mustn't say any more. This is a book of discovery. And it's brilliant, in my opinion. Just loved it, and want to read it again to find out more about the characters and their motivations, and what is real and what is imagined...and how the author did it!

Her book Station Eleven is also fantastic!

Date of this review: May 2020
Book publication date: 6th August 2020